Day 14 - The magical 50 albums reached!

ESG - A South Bronx Story
Hard to classify this album. Wandering basslines and complex rhythms underpin 60s style vocal arrangements. Makes for a fairly funky feel to the album. Seems to be sample city today though, as the group intersperse their dance type songs with wierd noises that bring a wrinkle to the nose and a desire for it to stop. Each song largely consists of a repetitive drum and bassline with the vocals layered over the top alongside various percussion instruments. Each song is crisply produced, but gets monotonous after a while, and lyrically there is a complete lack of substance. Good for dancing to I would imagine, but despite some intricate drumming there's not a lot here to hold my attention.
Standout Tracks: Hard to say ...




Edan - Beauty and the Beat
At times hip hop, at times aggressive rap, and at times just plain old wierd and psychedelic this is an interesting mix of samples, sounds and styles from all over the spectrum of music. Never sure what to expect whenever I put on a new album I haven't heard before, but this one was um, most interesting, like Kevin Ayers with a drum machine. Don't quite know what to make of this, it's more a collection of random sounds than a coherent album. The drum machines underpin everything, but on top its all strange noises and clips of people having conversations about all and sundry. If you fancy sitting with a puzzled expression on your face for half an hour, this is be the album for you.
Standout Tracks: Murder Mystery




Everything But the Girl - Walking Wounded
Plinky plonky uninspiring dance music. At least there is the light relief of a good vocalist crooning over the top of the electronic ambience, making this a little more interesting than other ambient style music I have listened to. I like the singers voice a lot, its pretty sultry and emotive and suits the background plinking and plonking quite nicely. It's all just a little dull though, and one of those albums where I find myself looking at the remaining tracklist and durations to see when I can get on with the next one. Instantly forgettable, but not altogether unpleasant. A little more depth once the quicker drum'n'bass starts up, but nothing to write home about.
Standout Tracks: Walking Wounded




The Decemberists - Her Majesty, The Decemberists
I was hoping for something great for my 50th album on this silly quest, and I was not disappointed by this effort from a band that I had not heard of before this journey. This is a very acoustic album, with many instruments being employed to blend a fresh, vibrant and very honest and soulful record. The music is tough to categorise for you, there are elements of folk, pop, rock, indie, but the whole thing is underlined with the acoustic guitar and the sound is very vibrant. Despite multiple influences, at no point does the album become confused, since it's a very honest album by a group of very talented musicians that refreshes the ears when you listen to it. Lyrically a little on the odd side, but the vocalist singing them is excellent. All in all a very fine album, and one I will be keeping and listening to again I am sure.
Standout Tracks: Los Angeles I'm Yours, The Bachelor and the Bride, Red Right Ankle

Good day today! The music varied from the great to the not-so-great, but I reached a little milestone on my quest - 50 albums, or 5% of the way there. A friend commented that I'd be good on a pub quiz team with all the knowledge I am getting from this journey, and I do feel I am learning a lot about music and broadening my horizons. It's been well worthwhile so far, and despite the fact that I am averaging keeping only 1 in 6 or so of the albums I hear, it's been worth it for those little gems that have appeared. Some real highlights include todays album by the Decemberists, Miles Davis, Manu Chao and the incomparable Johnny Cash. Here's to 50 more, and 50 more after that and ... well you get the idea!

Day 13 - Slow start, slow middle, slightly better end

Eric B and Rakim - Paid in Full
Pretty minimalist hip hop album that shows its age. It sounds like something from the 1980s and has nothing fresh about it, despite the style being much copied in the genre over the years. It's kind of cool to listen to though, unlike some rappers Rakim chatters in a fairly effortless yet rhythmical style, and although most of the lyrics pass me by when I stop and listen its clean and clever. I keep hearing parts of songs that have been sampled in the intervening years, which always makes me stop and say, "hey I know that bit!". Despite its age and its perpetual 1980s vibe, this is actually a very funky record that I enjoyed in the end.
Standout Tracks: My Melody, I Know you got Soul,




Echo and the Bunnymen - Ocean Rain
Being not a fan of punk, I wonder if I am a fan of post-punk, since there is a lot more about this album that's interesting than (say) The Damned I listened to earlier. Reminiscent in places of early Cure, it's a fairly sparse recording where each instrument is allowed its place in the music. The vocals are in some respects haunting, and in other respects powerful and melodic. It's Morrisey-esque in places, but for me lacks the pretension of Morrisey and is therefore a little more likeable. A melodic album, lacking the aggression of punk, and with people that can actually play their instruments, this is a fairly enjoyable affair although I decided not to stick around for the bonus live tracks on the 2003 release (which is the one I was listening to)
Standout Tracks: Thorn of Crowns, The Killing Moon, Ocean Rain




Eek-a-mouse - Wa-do-dem
This isn't the first reggae album I have listened to, but I think it's more accessible than the others. It's very laid back, and Eek-a-mouse, despite his ridiculous name, has a fairly ingratiating vocal style that alternates between discernible melody and weird scat. It's not out of place though, and creates a rather easy on the ears experience. Unfortunately it's also rather non-descript, in the sense that it's reggae, but nothing really stands out for the standout tracks. All the songs just sort of merge into one long skank (check excellent word use there, I only learned it the other day!). Easy listening, but not too memorable. Incidentally I have heard this guy before - he popped up on a P.O.D album I sometimes listen to in a weird nu-metal/reggae thing.
Standout Tracks: Ganja Smuggling (Live, very fun)




The Damned - Damned Damned Damned
Let me say it (in case you hadn't grasped it from my other reviews), I don't like punk at all. So it was with trepidation that I put this record on. There is nothing at all I like about this music, not one single saving grace. The singer cannot sing, the guitars are making my ears bleed with their tone, and I really just don't see the point. Oh well, I'll stick it out, just to say I listened to it. Not a great start to 1man's musical day! Perhaps to understand or appreciate punk you had to be there when it happened. I wasn't, so I don't. Utter tosh.
Standout Tracks: There aren't any.





Brian Eno - Another Green World
Weird electric synth pop from the 1970s. The album sounds very experimental, as if Eno has a bunch of samples that he wants to see if he can shoehorn into a loose musical framework. I'm not sure what comment I should make on this album ... it's got me confused about what its trying to be. Some of the tracks are reasonably good pop (I'll come running, which I assume is a ballad to someone special) but interspersed are these odd musical interludes that don't seem to do anything or go anywhere (The title track is a fine example), reminiscent of Aphex Twin (*shudder*). Strange album, can't think of much else to say about it, but I doubt I will give it another listen after this.
Standout Tracks: St Elmo's Fire, Sombre Reptiles (promised much, delivered little), Spirits Drifting (because after this one it was all over!)

Day 12 - From rap to post punk

The Chameleons - Script of the Bridge
No idea what I expected when I opened up this album. According to sources The Chameleons are "post punk", whatever that means. Well, I looked it up - after the first wave of punk, bands started getting creative and writing more technical music but with the punk edge to it. Well I suppose that's what we have here. There are some gorgeous guitar parts on this record, and the vocalist is truly haunting. The guitars alternate between atmospheric mush and old fashioned riffs, and the influence that this form of music had on the indie bands of the later 80s and 90s is obvious for all to see. I actually quite enjoyed this record, with its guitar driven melodies and atmosphere, and the less than perfect, but perfectly suuited, vocals. Reminded me of what New Order might sound like if they substituted their keyboards for guitars, and of that room mate I mentioned in the Cure review earlier yesterday. And on a side note, I now know more about post punk, alternative rock, indie, and post punk revivalists than I ever thought I would.
Standout Tracks: Monkeyland, Second Skin, Up the Down Escalator, Pleasure and Pain, Thursdays Child



Culture - Two Sevens Clash
These songs are labelled reggae, and reggae they certainly are. Steel drums everywhere, Jamaican accents in the vocals, off beat syncopation with the guitars. It's all very nice and happy ... I think. A quick check on Wikipedia has informed me that this is "roots reggae", where the emphasis is on praise of God, but also social issues, and that there are many many different types of reggae. The album is nice enough I supposed, but reggae is not really something I have ever paid attention to (except the odd Bob Marley record heard on the radio). That said, it's very easy on the ears, and foot tapping is certainly going on under the desk, but more than likely not something I would return to. I think I prefer the latin sounds of central and south America to Caribbean music. I learned one thing while listening though, what the term "skanking" means.
Standout Tracks: Hard to say ... Get Ready to Ride the Lion to Zion




Daft Punk - Discovery
Well I er ... expected punk, but that's not exactly what I got. Instead I'm being treated to synthesiser pop music. Change your name lads, it confuses people. I actually know the first song - hard to avoid it really, "One More Time". The heavily synthesised vocals are really off putting, sounds like a keyboard would sound if it could sing. Keyboards pretending to be guitars also does very little for the integrity of my ears. I imagine if you like synth pop / dance, then this could be considered quite innovative. It's a very well polished dance album, but seriously, all the excessive auto-tuning on the vocals is making my ears bleed! Looking ahead in the track list the final song is called "Too Long" and is 10 minutes in duration! No kidding ... they should have called the album "Too Long" to discourage listeners from playing it. I suppose the best thing you could say about Daft Punk is ... that they aren't punk.
Standout Tracks: One More Time, Hard Better Faster Stronger, Something about us, Short Circuit (for the nice 80s feel)




David Crosby - If I could only remember my name
Of Crosby, Stills and Nash fame I assume (confirmed with a quick Wiki). If you are a fan of 1970s music and particularly guitar based cool rock, then you will like this. I am unsure, I think I like it! The songs are repetitive, and sound an awful lot like a jam session one might have with a band ... guitarists noodling away over the top of a repeated chord progression. Still, I do like this style of music, reminds me of a less technically complex John Martyn record, and the fact that the guitars are the forefront of the music is great for a guitarist like me. This is a good record, which apparently was widely panned at the time but is still in print today having matured over time like a fine wine. The record is simultaneously light and airy and tense in places, a good work.
Standout Tracks: Cowboy Movie, What are their names





De La Soul - Three Feet High and Rising
Well this is okay. The music is pretty upbeat and funky, but I am less than keen on the silly samples in between songs. I like the phat beats that underline the samples, and the rapping style is easy on the ears and not at all harsh like some rap acts that switch me off to the genre. Pretty laid back music, and very easy to listen to, but I get the feeling that I'll have forgotten this album almost as soon as its finished. The album bounces between funky rhythm and plain silliness, there really is no need for all the daft samples in between what are half decent songs ... gets annoying after a while.
Standout Tracks: The Magic Number, Eye Know, Potholes in my Lawn, Me Myself and I (obviously)






Deep Purple - Machine Head
I have a friend here who is a rather enthusiastic Purple fan, but the band are not one I have ever been that into. I've heard Highway Star before of course, and it kicks off this album in fine style, and finally, a band with proper guitar players! You can hear the influence all over this record that the music would have on all metal from 1972 onwards - like Sabbath, its hard to believe this music is as old as I am, but perhaps that is because its influence is heard everywhere in rock and metal today. I love the riffing in "Maybe I'm a Leo", and the bass solo in Pictures of Home came as a surprise, but a pleasant one. It was all going really well until Smoke on the Water. Seriously, does anyone listen to that song anymore? Or maybe it's just I'm scarred by that part of my working life spent manning a guitar shop .... but in the end, this album is great stuff (anyone that writes a 7:22 song deserves a pat on the back).
Standout Tracks: Maybe I'm a Leo, Lazy, Space Truckin' was kinda cool also ...

Day 11 - Cool and collected

The Cure - Pornography
I once shared a room at university with a fan of the Cure, and I never understood it. I originally thought that Robert Smith's voice would wind me up, as I never liked it, but in actual fact its stirring up some happy memories, and is easier on the ears than I remember. Sounds like he wants to kill himself of course, but that's the nature of the Cure at this time in their career. There's a lot of angst and raw emotion trying to break out from beneath the surface of the music, which gives it a fairly "urgent" feel, like they need to get all these feelings out before imploding. It's melancholy and minor, but the urgency behind the tracks keeps the album rolling along nicely. I actually quite enjoyed this, despite my preconceived ideas about the band and the music.
Standout Tracks: Siamese Twins, The Figurehead




Cypress Hill - Cypress Hill
Don't like the police do they ... I've always had a soft spot for Cypress Hill. I'm not a huge fan of hippety hop-hop or rap music, but Cypress Hill seem to be able to do it with a rock and roll style attitude. It's hard to describe. The music is as you expect from the chaps, funky, very cool basslines, the unique rapping voice of B-Real (nice name..), and the whimsical samples that dance around over the solid bass foundation. I wonder if these guys are actual gangsters busting caps in homies asses, or whether its all fairy tale. Either way, it's cool to listen to, and sounds fresh despite the age of the album. Excellent record! Don't listen to it while the kids are around though ... strictly headphones only. Music to whack homies to!
Standout Tracks: Hand on the Pump, The Phuncky Feel One, Real Estate, PsychoBetaBuckDown (written like a programmer!), The Funky Cypress Hill Shit





Destiny's Child - Survivor
Pop music. Here we go again. I'm familiar with a few songs, particularly the first three, as I think they were popular in the charts with young people in the recent past. This is boring. Thankfully it's halfway through. It's a very electronic album, not much sign of real instruments around the place. Now don't get me wrong, these girls can sing, and sing very well, but for me its all too polished and over produced. There is no edge to music like this, it's almost too ... I want to say "perfect", but you might get the impression that I like this stuff. I don't, but that's it - it's too perfectly produced with its quick stop/start rhythm syncopations. I'm yawning with all the "I will survive" stuff, but I will admit a grudging admiration for the track "Gospel Medley"
Standout Tracks: Survivor, Happy Face, Emotion, Gospel Medley





Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
Been looking forward to this one as I do rather like jazz (No, Albert Ayler! Begone back into your alien world!), and this album in no way disappoints. The first track finds Davis in mischievous mood (So What) as the bass provides the backbone to punctuated trumpet and sax parts. After this it gets bluesy and sultry, including some excellent piano work in "Freddie Freeloader". I love this sort of jazz, the kind that I can understand, and quite frankly is just ... cool. I've got new medication from the doc today, and it's sending my head all swirly, so this laid back jazz fits the mood perfectly!
Standout Tracks: I enjoyed them all a lot (and there were only five) but particularly Blue in Green and So What

Day 10 - Funktastic? Well ... no

Chic - Risqué
Funky! Obviously this music is very well known, as played out in clubs up and down the land no matter where you are. One might say timeless, but not for me in a good way. I'm currently listening to "Good Times", which is one of the most overplayed songs the world has ever seen, and probably because of this no-one pays justice to the fact that its actually a very well crafted funky song. Oh well, on with the rest of the album and we'll see. There is a nice jazz feel to "A warm summer night" which I rather like, it sounds like a song I've heard before somewhere but not excessively so - very pleasant atmosphere to the track. Other than that, I'm not really enjoying this (I know! This is a confused album review!), it's all too familiar ... despite the excellent musicianship on display (particularly the bass player, who is obviously made of pure funk).
Standout Tracks: A Warm Summer Night, Can't Stand to Love you (funk!)



Only the one today (pesky people pestering me at work!), and a bit of a mixed bag on the whole with this record.

Day 9 - 1man is back .. with mixed results!

Def Leppard - Hysteria
Ah, now this is more like it. Straight up hair rock direct from the 1980s to today ... unashamedly rock and roll in its music and attitude with enough 80s vocal-synth effects thrown in to make it recognisable as an iconic album of that decade. Love bites has always been a paritcular highlight for me ... it's an unashamed rock ballad that makes no excuses for its sentimentality, and just makes you want to shut your eyes and sing along with the chorus at the top of your voice. The drumming always impresses me too, what with him only having one arm and all (and having to relearn how to play his drum kit putting more emphasis on the footwork). Lots of standout tracks; great hair metal from the chaps from Sheffield!
Standout Tracks: Animal, Love Bites, Pour some Sugar on me, Armaggedon It (for the excellent play on words!)





The Delfonics - La-La Means I love you
Well, whoever ripped this album to MP3 made a slight genre error in labelling the music as "grunge". Soulful 60s stuff, and so not my thing! Vocally impressive, these chaps can sing very well. A bit too cheesy and "nice" for me, although I do recognise the odd bit that has been sampled and used elsewhere (eg Ready or Not - done by the Fugees I think). I'm afraid that every song just sounds the same to me, dreary, yet tuneful. The music just doesn't go anywhere interesting, and I'm only halfway through and looking at the track listing trying to figure out when I can move on with my life.. I wonder if this is classed as Motown? Hmm.. Wikipedia says no, "Philadelphia Soul". Whatever that is. Philadelphia "Supermarket" Cheese more like.
Standout Tracks: Ready or Not, Trying to make a fool of me, Delfonics Theme, Hey! Love









Had a bit of time off the 1man1000albums gig recently, largely due to laziness in obtaining the music. Back now with a vengeance, and two more offerings for today.